Jul

16

2015

A new scam targeting iPhone owners has been spotted out in the wild, the phishing scam entices users to click through to a link – claiming their devices have been hacked and data is being stolen. The scam presents its self in a pop up message purporting to be from Apple.

The message requests the user hand over £50 or risk loosing all of their devices data. The user is prompted to dial either 0800 6524895 or 0800 2796211. Should a user fall for the message and submit their card details, nothing will change on their device, but the users bank balance will deplete by at least £50.

There are a few important things to note; firstly Apple would never contact iPhone owners using push messages, secondly they’re unlikely to pick up on the fact someone is stealing your data. Whats more, it would be almost impossible (unless jailbroken) for someone to connect on remotely and steal data stored on iPhones

The message seems to have foxed some users, however its quite an easy fix to get rid of it without having to pay the premium.

From the home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the iPhone then switch the device to Airplane mode. Now, head over to Settings and Safari, scroll down and tap ‘Clear History and Website Data’. Now scroll back up the screen and swipe to turn on ‘Block Pop-ups’ this will prevent any future pop-ups occurring.

Jul

14

2015

So today (14/07/15) saw the launch of Apple Pay in the UK.. But what is it, and why should I care I hear you say.. Well – hopefully the post below will help you get the most from Apple Pay, and answer any questions you may have.

What is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is Apples attempt at getting you to leave your wallet at home, or at least your bank cards! Ever since the inception of the Apple Wallet (aka Passbook) companies have offered up ‘membership/club’ cards as ‘Passbook’ items, to save you having to carry extra cards round with you. Apple have worked hard to take that one step further, and have worked with some pretty influential organisations to introduce Apple Pay. Which allows you to store your bank card details in the secure enclave on your Apple iDevice, then using NFC (Near Field Communications) and Apple’s Touch ID you can use your phone to securely pay for items or services at supported pay points.

Sounds cool doesn’t it? But wait.. Also a little daunting? Well no need to panic just yet, check out my definitive and always up to date post below to find out all there is to know!

Jul

14

2015

If you love your iPhone and your Apps so much so that your iPhones pages are crammed full with many apps, you’ll know how painful it can be searching all those icons for that app you’re after. Sure you can use Spotlight to quickly search and launch your app, but if it’s a collection of apps you launch all the time check out LaunchCode.

Using LaunchCode you can launch Apps from iOS Notification Centre, or by drawing predefined custom symbols inside the launch pad of the app.

The ultimate goal of LaunchCode Shortcut Center is for users to use their iPhone as an extension of themselves and not as the focal point of their attention. They will be able to complete tasks, call contacts, listen to their favorite radio station, and even open Maps with directions to their home all without looking at their phone. Muscle memory will take over. All that is required is for one to draw their symbol on the screen and the phone will obey their command.

With the ease of this user interface, this is the only app iPhone users will ever need in their iPhone dock. Unlike other productivity apps, LaunchCode injects the human interface into the iPhone. Humans communicate nonverbally in ways such as with gestures, letters and symbols, and now can communicate with an iPhone the same way.

Intelligent Apps plans to release two versions of LaunchCode. A free version which users can program with up to 5 app shortcuts and 5 action shortcuts and a paid version with which users can program unlimited app shortcuts and action shortcuts.

Jul

13

2015

Apple have today released iTunes 12.2.1, the latest in a recent flurry of updates to their desktop media management software. Version 12.2.1, which is a 226 MB download (on OS X Yosemite) promises to deliver a couple of improvements around both match and Beats 1.

The official release notes outline the following changes and improvements:

Fixes an issue for iTunes Match users where iTunes incorrectly changed some songs from Matched to Apple Music

Provides a way to correct a library problem affecting formed iTunes match subscribers

Includes minor bug fixes and improvements for Beats 1

iTunes 12.2.1 is available to download now using the build in App Store update method. Alternatively by selecting iTunes > Check for updates, from the menu bar once iTunes is launched.

Apple have also released a support document for users who have been affected by the Matched music switching to Apple Music issue.

Many users have posted concerns over the performance of iTunes 12.2 and Beats 1, some finding there ability to access the station and iTunes 12.2’s new streaming media services as a whole intermittent. This should now be resolved in the latest software update.

There are also posts starting to circulate the forums, suggesting that the issues first discovered in 12.1 with Matched music showing as Apple Music has not yet been resolved for some users. Also users who noticed issues with metadata on some of their matched tracks are reporting the issue does not intact clear. If you apply the update, and it doesn’t work for you – let us know using the comments section below.

Jul

9

2015

Apple have just released the public beta of iOS 9 for those of you who just can’t wait until the official release. Unlike the developer beta of iOS 9, the public beta means you do not have to have an Apple developer account.. What’s more, you get the update over the air, and all future updates in the same way going forward. Signing up to the public beta program is pretty straight forward, once you’ve signed up all you have to do is download a provisioning profile on your iPhone, reboot then check for updates!

Obviously as this is a beta, is wise to try and avoid installing it on your primary hand set. Before you do so, its also wise to take a full backup of your device and it’s contents. Just incase you decide to roll back from the installation.

Once you’ve got your full backup, head over to beta.apple.com/profile on your iPhone. Once signed in with your iCloud credentials you’ll be presented with a ‘Download Profile’ button. Tap on this, accept the terms and conditions, and then follow the on screen instructions.

If you decide to roll back from iOS 9 all you need to do is connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or, put it in recovery mode, and restore it to the backup you made before biting the bullet… You made a backup.. Right?? If not, you can use an iPSW from iOS 8 you can grab the relevant files from http://www.ipswdownloader.com